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VA Vocational Rehabilitation Program

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) is a program whose primary function is to help veterans with service-connected disabilities become suitably employed, maintain employment, or achieve independence in daily living.

The program offers a number of services to help each eligible disabled veteran reach his or her rehabilitation goal. These services include vocational and personal counseling, education and training, financial aid, job assistance, and, if needed, medical and dental treatment. Services generally last up to 48 months, but they can be extended in certain instances.

If you need training, VA will pay your training costs, such as tuition and fees, books, supplies, equipment, and, if needed, special services. While you are in training, VA will also pay you a monthly benefit to help with living expenses, called a subsistence allowance. For details, visit www.vetsuccess.gov.

Eligibility

Usually, you must first be awarded a monthly VA disability compensation payment. In some cases, you may be eligible if you aren't getting VA compensation. For example, if you are awaiting discharge from the service because of a disability you may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation.

Eligibility is also based on you meeting the following conditions:

You have received, or will receive, a discharge that is other than dishonorable

You must apply for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) VetSucess services

Note: You may be entitled to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services if you are rated 10% disabled; however it must be determined that you have a serious employment handicap (SEH).

How to Apply

You can apply by filling out VA Form 28-1900, "Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation," and mail it to the VA regional office that serves your area. You can also apply online at: http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp